Blog
Off-season conditioning
A behind-the-scenes look at the foundational work we just did across the platform — tightening data access, clearing out dead code, and hardening the integrations you use day to day. No new features, but a meaningfully safer and faster app.
Building an MCP Server for an Endurance App
How we shipped a Model Context Protocol server for The Next Race in one focused evening — what we built, what we cut, and what the architecture looks like in practice.
You Can Now Manage Your Training From Claude, Cursor, and Claude Desktop
Connect The Next Race to Claude (and any MCP-compatible AI tool) and ask about your races, build your workout library, set your zones — all from a conversation.
Introducing tnr: The Next Race From Your Terminal
A small CLI that gives you scriptable access to your races, plans, workout library, and physiology. Useful if you live in a terminal — or if you want to wire The Next Race into something else.
New Sidebar: Pin Your Plans, Athletes, and Workouts for Quick Access
We've redesigned the sidebar with pinned items, collapsible sections, and drag-and-drop workouts. Your most important items are now one click away.
Training for Your Second Triathlon: What to Do Differently
Your first triathlon taught you things no training plan could. The second one requires a different approach entirely.
Your Activities, All in One Place — Plus a Smarter Way to Import
The Next Race now has a dedicated Activities page with a full data table, standalone import from Strava and Wahoo, bulk import, category filtering, and auto-import via webhooks.
Planned vs Actual: Link Activities to Your Training Plan Workouts
You can now link a completed activity to a planned workout in The Next Race. See a side-by-side comparison of what you planned versus what you actually did — distance, pace, heart rate, power, and more.
Redesigned Settings: Connectors, Physiology, Notifications, and More
The Next Race settings have been completely restructured into five focused sections — Profile, Physiology, Preferences, Notifications, and Connectors — with new features on every tab.
Why Your Swim Is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It Without More Pool Time)
The swim is the shortest leg of a triathlon. For most age-groupers, it's also the most expensive. Here's how to fix it without just swimming more.
Race Week Nutrition: What to Eat in the 7 Days Before Your Triathlon
Most race-day nutrition disasters originate not from race-day decisions but from the seven days that preceded them. Here's what that week actually looks like.
How to Read a Race's Course Profile and Adjust Your Training Accordingly
Two Olympic-distance races can demand completely different athletes. Here's how to read a course properly — and what to do with what you find.
How to Build a Training Plan When You Have Two Races Close Together
Managing two races four to eight weeks apart is one of the most common planning challenges in age-group triathlon. Here's how to think about it.
Brick Workouts Explained: When, Why, and How Many You Actually Need
The name comes from how your legs feel the first time you try one. Here's what bricks are, when to start them, and how many you actually need.
Olympic Triathlon Training Plan: 16 Weeks for Working Adults
A realistic 16-week Olympic triathlon training plan built around 8–10 hours per week for athletes with full-time jobs.
Duplicate Training Plans: Copy, Customize, and Reuse Your Best Workouts
We've added the ability to duplicate training plans in The Next Race. Copy any plan—including workouts and races—with a new start date. Perfect for reusing successful plans or sharing templates.
Strava Removed Training Plans: 5 Best Free Alternatives for Runners & Triathletes
Strava killed their training plans in 2025. Here are the best free alternatives that actually work—including one that handles multiple races without the chaos.
Beat the Sweep: A Data-Backed Guide to Beating Race Cutoffs
Learn how to overcome cutoff anxiety with data-driven training. A practical guide to reverse-engineering your race goals and building confidence through targeted training.
The "Lunch Break Warrior" Protocol: Managing Triathlon Training with a 9-to-5
Learn how to balance triathlon training with a full-time job. Practical strategies for fitting quality workouts into your busy schedule without sacrificing your career or family time.
Triathlon on a Budget: How to Race for Under $500
Learn how to complete your first triathlon without breaking the bank. Practical budget tips for gear, equipment, and training that will get you to the finish line for under $500.
The "No-Pool" Survival Guide: How to Train for the Swim Leg on Dry Land
Learn how to build 60% of your swim fitness without ever touching the water. A practical guide to dryland training for triathletes who can't access a pool.
Understanding VO2Max Scores for Women Athletes
Discover how VO2Max differs for women, why it matters for your training, and how to interpret your results to optimize performance.
How Many Hours Per Week Do You Really Need for Ironman Training?
Realistic Ironman training volume—weekly hours, how it varies by experience, and what’s actually required to finish.
One-Day vs Annual USA Triathlon License: Which Should You Get?
Compare one-day and annual USA Triathlon licenses—cost, benefits, and when each makes sense for your racing schedule.
USA Triathlon Wetsuit Rules (Temperature Cutoffs Explained)
Complete guide to USA Triathlon wetsuit rules—temperature cutoffs, when they’re required vs. optional, and how races enforce them.
Do You Really Need a Wetsuit for a Sprint Triathlon?
When you need a wetsuit for sprint triathlons—water temperature, rules, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Can You Train for a Triathlon on Just 6 Hours Per Week?
A realistic 6-hour-per-week triathlon training plan for sprint and Olympic distances—structure, priorities, and what to expect.
Is TrainingPeaks Worth It for Self-Coached Runners?
A practical look at TrainingPeaks for self-coached runners—pros, cons, and when a simpler tool might be better.
Can You Use Run Commuting as Marathon Training?
How to turn run commuting into productive marathon training—structuring doubles, fueling, and avoiding overuse.
How to Train Effectively as a 5 AM Runner
Actionable tips for early-morning runners—sleep, fueling, workout choices, and safety in the dark.
Marathon Training With a Full-Time Job: What Actually Works
A realistic marathon plan for busy professionals—time-boxed sessions, split runs, and smart recovery.
How to Train for a Marathon on the Treadmill (Winter Survival Guide)
A practical winter marathon plan using the treadmill—structure, pacing, boredom-busters, and when to head outside.
How to Adjust Marathon Training for Hot and Humid US Summers
Practical adjustments for marathon training in heat and humidity—pacing, hydration, fueling, and safety.
Getting Started with Triathlon Training
A beginner's guide to triathlon training, covering all three disciplines and how to structure your training plan.
Understanding Training Load and Recovery
Learn how to balance training stress with recovery to maximize performance and prevent overtraining.
How to Build Your First Marathon Training Plan
A comprehensive guide to creating your first marathon training plan, from setting goals to structuring your weekly workouts.